Blog 2 - 28th March to 6th April 2013

Once night set in at Lake Keepit the bugs started to drive us nuts so we decided to move on the next morning. Had lunch at Tamworth then on to Split Rock Dam, just south of Barraba. Camped at Glenriddle Reserve by the lake and went for a swim.

 

Next day we went exploring and found Horton Falls about 40kms west of Barraba. After a long walk down a steep gravelly path, the rock pools at the top of the falls were too enticing.

 

We decided to skinny dip rather than going all the way back up to get swimmers. Greg was only in the water for about a minute before a family came around the corner, which made Di yell to put some clothes on - we both ended up paddling around in our undies but the water was too good to miss.

 

Had a late lunch back at Barraba, before arriving back at camp to find we had been surrounded by a big group of redneck hillbillies out for a weekend of drinking over Easter.
Made the decision to leave Sat morning easy and we headed to Copeton Waters State Park after a coffee at the Roxy in Bindara and then lunch down by the river. Camped on the hill overlooking the lake and watched the water skiers and tubers criss-cross the water.

Easter Sunday was a very nothing day with coffees at the kiosk being about the most activity we go around to. Monday wasn't much better, with laundry chores completed and then washed the car in the lake. But most people had gone home by now - jobs to go to on Tuesday - so Monday evening was much quieter.

Tuesday we left for Armidale via Bundarra and we restocked the groceries then setup at the caravan park. A quick wander around town before back to make dinner. Not sure what happened, but the balmy evenings we were getting used to had disappeared - it was bloody cold.

Wednesday had brekkie at a cafe before starting the Waterfall Way. First stop was Danger Gorge,

 

then Gara Gorge,

 

then Metz Gorge, before arriving at Bakers Creek falls.

 

From here we went to Hillgrove and further on to Long Point and camped for the night.
Thursday we woke to wet canvas, and this was to continue for many days. Packed up again, and went to a picnic shelter for breakfast, then went for a walk where we found a lookout with awesome views. From there we went to Chandler River lookout, Edgars lookout, then Wollombombi falls and Chandler falls,

 

then Checks lookout. Had a Devonshire tea at Wollombombi cafe before diverting along Styx River track and stopping at Wattle Flat - a great spot to camp except for the rain and leaches. Continued on and setup camp at Thungutti campsite in New England NP.
Friday - more rain and cold again - went to Point lookout which was misty, cold and a high 1,563 meters up.

 

Then stopped at Weeping Rock and went for a walk/climb thru the rainforest.

 

Then to Cathedral Rock for another walk before arriving at Ebor falls where we had lunch and fed some magpies.

 

A coffee stop at Ebor before arriving in Dorrigo and looking at Danger falls.

 

Stayed in a farmers backyard that night, but the rain and cold convinced us that a night out at the pub for dinner would be a good option. Met some crazy guys on a golf weekend from Scone and spent the night watching the footy - first TV in more than 2 weeks.
Saturday we packed again and visited Dorrigo NP and did the skywalk, then a long walk thru the rainforest.

 

All down hill to get to Crystal falls over a suspension bridge, and you could walk behind the falls - some great photos.

 

As soon as it was time to walk back up the long hill, the rain started again just to make it that much more fun. This was the end of the Waterfall Way and the 215kms had taken us 4 days to complete - hardly rushing things. We stopped at Bellingen for lunch, then via Coffs Harbour to Yaraygir NP for the night at Station Creek. Currently lying in bed typing this as the rain continues to fall on the camper. Thought you were only supposed to have good weather on holidays??????? But did see some bush turkeys, so that was worth it.

Meeting some great people along the way, and hearing lots of great travel tips. Seeing some amazing places and haven't had a blue yet - so all good. Just want the damn rain to stop.
Missing everyone at home, but the holiday is too good to come back.
More to come soon.
Di and Hammo